A Quarantined Paper Series by Neverbird Productions.
The Little Broomstick Rider is an award-winning animated series and short film about a young boy called Linhard accused of witchcraft in 1620s Bavaria.
Linhard is on trial in front of the court, being held by four god-fearing “noble elders” who are terrified of magic and witchcraft, the work of the devil!
The animation is all created through black and white paper cut-out characters, which have all been hand drawn by director and illustrator Matteo Bernardini during the pandemic lockdown in Italy. The artwork is simple yet very effective. There are few facial expressions on the characters, yet you’re never left wondering what is going on in each of the six episodes.
Although the subject could potentially lead to Linhard being executed for using the dark arts of magic. There’s no sense of danger or fear from the young boy. His boyish charm and innocence of youth bring humour to the storyline. The more honest and upfront he is with the court, the angrier they become.
Linhard is charming and funny, and the audience is rooting for him throughout the trial. He isn’t doing anything “wrong” or horrible. He is following the path he has been set on.
The animation and dialogue are all created by hand, and the speech boxes are clear and concise. The attention to detail is remarkable, especially with the hands drawn at the top of the boxes representing the characters holding them as they speak.
For more information about the Fireside Folktales Barnes Fringe Festival, please use the link below.
Five Stars.
https://shadowroad.com/fireside-folktales-fringe/
Directed and illustrated by Matteo Bernardini, Neverbird Productions.
Theatre, Art and Film Reviews 
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